Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience

A Night on Shanghai’s Huangpu River with a Taste of Xinjiang: A Practical and Authentic Tour

If you’re visiting Shanghai and want a way to see the city lights, enjoy some great food, and skip the hassle of public transport, this Night River Cruise with Xinjiang Style Dining might be just what you need. For $139 per person, you get about three hours of relaxed sightseeing, delicious food, and a seamless experience. Your evening begins with a private, air-conditioned pickup from your hotel—say goodbye to navigating crowded subways—and continues with a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River. Afterwards, you’ll indulge in a halal Xinjiang dinner in Pudong, complete with cultural entertainment.

We particularly love that this tour includes private transportation, making it more comfortable and stress-free. The cruise offers stunning views of both old Shanghai—the colonial architecture along the Bund—and the futuristic skyline of Pudong with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. Also, the food part of the evening features authentic dishes like Dapanji (big plate chicken) and lamb kebabs, served with a guide who can translate the menu, ensuring you get the most out of your meal.

One possible consideration is the timing—sometimes the dinner is scheduled before the cruise depending on sunset times, which might affect your evening plans if you prefer a certain order. Plus, this experience caters to small groups, with a maximum of 15 travelers, which we see as a plus for more personalized service. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of Shanghai from both the water and local culinary perspectives.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, guided experience that combines iconic city views, local cuisine, and cultural entertainment, all wrapped into a convenient package.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Private, air-conditioned transport takes the stress out of navigating Shanghai’s busy streets and public transport.
• Stunning Views: Cruise along the Huangpu River to see classic colonial architecture and towering modern skyscrapers.
• Authentic Food: Enjoy a halal Xinjiang dinner with dishes like big plate chicken and lamb kebabs, plus cultural performances.
• Expert Guidance: A knowledgeable guide helps translate menus and explains the significance of sights and dishes.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to just 15 travelers, enhancing personal attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

A More Detailed Look at the Experience

The Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a hotel pickup in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. This aspect is particularly valuable for travelers who prefer to relax rather than fight traffic or hunt for taxis after a busy day. The ease of being whisked directly to the cruise terminal allows you to start the evening comfortably, setting a relaxed tone.

Once picked up, you’ll appreciate how smoothly the transportation runs, especially since the tour is designed for small groups (max 15). This often translates into more personalized attention, quicker boarding, and a sense of exclusivity.

The Huangpu River Cruise

The cruise itself lasts around an hour. It’s a chance to see Shanghai’s skyline transform as the city lights come alive at night. We loved the way the boat’s top deck provides panoramic views, perfect for photos and just soaking in the scenery. The west bank of the river is lined with colonial-era buildings, including the beautifully preserved Peace Hotel and the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. On the opposite side, the towering Oriental Pearl TV Tower, World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower dominate the skyline, symbolizing the city’s rapid growth.

What makes this cruise special is how it offers a snapshot of Shanghai’s past and future in one ride. The guide often shares insights about the historic significance of the colonial buildings and the boom-era skyscrapers, adding depth to the visual spectacle.

Dinner in Pudong: Xinjiang Cuisine

After the cruise, you’ll head to a local Xinjiang restaurant in Pudong. Xinjiang cuisine is famous for its hearty flavors and halal options—perfect for Muslim travelers or those seeking a different regional taste. The dinner menu includes Dapanji (big plate chicken), featuring flavorful, spice-infused chunks of chicken, chopped potatoes, and peppers, served with hand-stretched noodles. Also on the table are lamb kebabs, grilled to perfection and a favorite among locals, plus Xinjiang yogurt and nang (a type of pancake).

The guide’s translation is invaluable here, helping you understand each dish’s background and best way to enjoy it. As one reviewer noted, “the tour guide Tony provided the amazing service and we had a good feeling about Shanghai,” which highlights the importance of friendly, knowledgeable guides in enhancing the experience.

Cultural Entertainment

Between bites, the restaurant features entertainment such as cultural dancing and belly dancing, running from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This adds a lively, immersive element to the evening, giving you a taste of Xinjiang’s diverse cultural traditions.

The Overall Value

At $139, the cost covers the cruise ticket, private transport, dinner, and entertainment—a package that offers good value considering the convenience and quality of the experience. The small group size and inclusion of a guide provide a more personalized experience than larger, impersonal tours.

Authenticity and Quality

The reviews praise the quality of service and the thoughtfulness of the guide. One reviewer specifically mentions how the service was “excellent” and that they “had a good feeling about Shanghai,” which suggests that this tour leaves a positive impression on many travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, guided evening that combines sightseeing with authentic dining. It appeals to those interested in city views, local food, and cultural entertainment, all without the stress of planning individual logistics. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time who want a well-rounded taste of Shanghai’s modern and historic sides.

Final Thoughts

This Night River Cruise with Xinjiang Style Dining offers a practical, immersive way to experience Shanghai at night. The combination of a scenic cruise and a flavorful halal dinner makes it a compelling option for anyone wanting to enjoy the city’s glowing skyline while savoring regional Chinese cuisine.

The private transport and guided experience significantly enhance comfort, especially after a busy day of sightseeing. The dinner’s authenticity and the cultural performances provide a genuine taste of Xinjiang’s heritage, making this tour not just sightseeing but an authentic cultural experience.

While not a comprehensive city tour, it’s a well-tailored evening activity that balances iconic views, delicious food, and local culture—all in just a few hours. If you’re seeking a relaxing way to see Shanghai’s lights and taste some of China’s most distinctive regional dishes, this experience is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including the cruise, dinner, and entertainment.

Is transportation included?
Yes, a private, air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel and takes you to the cruise terminal and restaurant.

What dishes are served during dinner?
You’ll enjoy Xinjiang specialties such as Dapanji (big plate chicken), lamb kebabs, Xinjiang yogurt, and nang (pancake).

Is the dinner halal?
Yes, the dinner is halal, and the guide can help with menu translation if needed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, which helps ensure a more personal experience.

This experience balances iconic views, authentic regional cuisine, and cultural entertainment into a memorable night that’s perfect for those wanting a hassle-free, enjoyable evening in Shanghai.